Originally posted by D.O.A:

Trader needs better stuff so the time i found him sold all the stuff i gathered he gave me 3k i brought all stuff i visit. It's a bit silly you can't wear a belt and the wishbone at once, and even more silly you need to remove your helmet for a light. Plus i don't think anyone would be eating fish at this stage of the game trader should be on start island

Trader often IS on the starting island, it's pure luck.

The game is barely more than half finished, I'm sure the trader will be expanded in a future update.